"Two Children Dead, Eleven Injured in 'Brutal' Stabbing Attack at UK Dance Event; 17-Year-Old Arrested"

LONDON — Two children were killed and nine others injured in a stabbing attack at a dance school event in the United Kingdom, according to police.

Among the injured were six children and two adults, all of whom were in critical condition on Tuesday. The adults, who were stabbed while trying to protect the children, were also severely hurt, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy reported. A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Authorities have stated that the incident is not being treated as terror-related and that no other suspects are being sought. The motive remains unclear.

Police responded shortly before noon local time to reports of the stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed event held at a venue on Hart Street in Southport, a seaside town about 20 miles north of Liverpool. Officers described the attack as "ferocious," according to Chief Constable Kennedy.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack "horrendous and deeply shocking," expressing his thoughts and gratitude to the police and emergency services for their rapid response. King Charles and Queen Camilla also expressed their profound shock and sent their condolences to the victims' families, describing the attack as "utterly horrific." Prince William and Princess Kate added their sympathies, stating, "As parents, we cannot begin to imagine the anguish of those affected by this horrendous attack."

The suspect, whose name has not been released, is from Banks, a coastal village in Lancashire near Southport, but originally hails from Cardiff, Wales. Read more